Used Cooking Oil as an Additive Component of Candle

Introduction

Today, candles are made not only for lighting purposes but for many other uses such as
home décor, novelty collections, as fixtures for big occasions (weddings, baptismals, etc.), and
as scented varieties for aromatherapy. Candles are made from different types of waxes and oils.
Cooking oil is a major kitchen item in Filipino households. It is also used substantially in
fast-food outlets, where it is used in different stages of food preparations. Ordinarily,

used cooking oil is discarded. This waste oil pollutes and clogs canals and
sewerage systems.

Abstract

The study aims to produce a low-priced, high-quality candle by using

used cooking oil as a major component. The following candle

compositions were used: 100 percent paraffin wax; 90 percent paraffin and 10 percent oil; 80
percent paraffin and 20 percent oil; 70 percent paraffin and 30 percent oil; 60 percent paraffin
and 40 percent oil; 50 percent paraffin and 50 percent oil. The firmness, texture, and light
intensity of the candles were tested and compared.

Results of the tests showed that the candle made from 100 percent

paraffin wax had the lowest melting rate, lowest amount of melted candle, and a
light intensity of 100 candelas (cd). The 90:10 preparation had the next lowest melting rate and

amount of melted candle. The other preparations ranked according to the

proportion of used cooking oil in the candle, with the 50:50 preparation

performing least comparably with the 100 percent paraffin wax

candle.
 Cassava starch as an effective component for
Ideal Biodegradable Plastic

Abstract

Inventions have evolved and continue to evolve such that after several years of study,
research and experimentation reach great developments. With continuing efforts to investigate
the constituents of Philippine plants, we have pursued investigation of starch of the cassava
plant (Manihot esculenta). Cassava tubers were gathered, ground and squeezed to extract starch.
Starch obtained was weighed and divided into three equal parts; 80 grams in T1, T2 and T3.
Treatments also consisted of 60 ml plastic resin glue and resin with 50 grams of flour
catalyst for T1, 100 grams for T2 and 150 grams in T3. The components in every treatment were
mixed, stirred and then poured in silk screen with oil and then sun-dried. Test for capacity to
carry weight indicated T3 as the best. For its ability to hold water, all products passed but for
biodegradability, T1 gave the best results. The tensile and bending properties had been tested
using the Universal Testing Machine and Analysis showed that T3 had the greatest tensile
strength while T2 had the greatest bending property. Using ANOVA single Factor, results
showed that there was significant difference among the three treatments in bending and tensile
strength. However, for biodegradability test there was no significant difference. The final phase
of the study determined the effectiveness of cassava starch as component of biodegradable
plastic. Results confirmed that cassava starch is ideal as tests proved its worth.
 Dried Papaya Leaves as Organic Mulch for Tomato Plants

Introduction

Usually defined as the use of organic and biodegradable materials to give plants the

nutrients they need, organic farming proved to be the safest and most effective method of

increasing and sustaining yield. Various methods fall under organic farming, such as composting,
green manuring, legume inoculating, and utilizing animal manure as fertilizers.
Mulching is a simple process that increases soil fertility and regulating several factors affecting overall plant
growth. In this method, a layer of material-the mulch-is placed on soil surface around the plant. The mulch is used to
retard the growth of weeds, protect roots and stems from sudden or extreme temperature changes, reduce soil
erosion by wind and water, retard runoff of rainfall, prevent soil puddling by breaking the impact of raindrops, and
keep flowers and fruits from being spattered with mud during rainstorms.

Abstract
Mulching in agricultural provides a safe yet equally profitable method of enriching and fertilizing the soil
planted with crops. Most often-used mulches are of organic composition, such as dry leaves and barks. Unlike

synthetic fertilizers and herbicides, these organic mulches pose no or little damage to the soil and
crops.

In this study, the effectiveness of dried papaya leaves as organic mulch for tomato was
tested. Papaya mulches in different thickness were applied on plots planted with tomato in three replications. After
the determined period of mulch application, the researchers application, the researchers measured the height
increases of tomato plants ands the weed density in the plots. It was concluded that papaya mulch significantly
promoted height increase of tomato plants and inhibited the growth of weeds. The best mulch was 3 inches in
thickness.